Atlanta Braves: Should Jace Peterson be Starting for the Braves?
By Kit Anderson
Should Jace Peterson be the Atlanta Braves’ starting second baseman in 2017?
The Atlanta Braves have plenty of options this year at 2nd base with young prospects getting close to being ready as well as Sean Rodriguez being added as a right-handed option to start at second. With the depth that the Braves have should Jace Peterson be the starting second baseman this season for the Braves?
Jace Peterson struggled early in 2016 much like the rest of the offense failing to get into a rhythm and eventually was sent down to triple A to learn to play outfield and work on his hitting. After spending much of 2015 as a starter the demotion was a tough one considering what Peterson had done the previous season. Despite hitting only .239 he maintained an on base percentage well above .300 and was one of the Braves clutch hitters when the bases were loaded and he needed to come through.
Peterson had played great defense as well making a lot of tough plays look easy and avoiding making many typical rookie mistakes. A year later he found himself in the minor leagues demoted and struggled to get it going offensively even in triple-A. A few weeks later the Braves called Peterson back up and for the majority of the season he remained the starting second baseman for the Braves.
He picked up from where he left off in 2015 improving his average to above .250 hitting with more power and getting on base more regularly. Not only that but he now was able to play in the outfield when needed and back-up shortstop and third base in emergency situations.
Peterson’s offense and defense are not flashy, but he is a clutch player who has earned a starting role with the Braves in 2017. He does well at the plate always being a tough out and not giving away outs and learning to put the ball in play more than not. He is not going to hit 20 bombs or steal 20 bases but he is a very good and valuable starter for this Braves’ team that will slot into the lower portion of the lineup.
Adding Sean Rodriguez to take on some of the lefty starters that the Braves will face was a good move as well. Peterson has struggled against lefties at times and will have a little of the pressure taken off with Rodriguez on the roster. Even with the depth that the Brave have added Jace Peterson is the best choice that the Braves have at second base and has earned the right to be their starting second baseman on opening day this season.